By: Ashley McCubbin

The theme of each NASCAR Silly Season is figuring out what the changes will be, so that way you can find the ride that your favourite driver(s) is(are) behind the wheel of. It’s why News From The Pits is here to help you sort through it all.

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Corey LaJoie was all about stacking pennies and putting together strong runs with Spire Motorsports, but will not return to the team in 2025. Instead, it will be Justin Haley taking over the No. 7 Chevrolet after spending last season with Rick Ware Racing. The fact he took what was dubbed second-tier equipment and placed himself inside the top-10 for 11 races, including a trio of top-10 results with the highlight being a ninth at Darlington Raceway, bodes well for his future. A slight improvement in equipment should see him continue to improve, as Lajoie scored 13 top-20’s last season with a best-finish of fourth in the Daytona 500.

The real intrigue with this team, though, is the change in the crew chief. Rodney Childers will take charge of the pit box, making the jump over after Stewart-Haas Racing closed their doors. Everybody watched Childers win a championship with Kevin Harvick, as well as lead Josh Berry to success. There could be a lot of possibilities to come for Haley and Spire Motorsports with his veteran leadership.

After spending a year away, Ty Dillon will make his return full-time to the NASCAR Cup Series, this time with Kaulig Racing as he takes over the No. 10 previously piloted by Daniel Hemric. Dillon was alright, but struggled in his previous 245 series starts, averaging a finish of 23rd with seven top-10 finishes. Kaulig, on the other hand, showed potential last season in the Cup Series with Hemric last season, and more so the year before with A.J. Allmendinger. They should be able to find their footing in Cup as they have proven themselves already capable in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Is this the right combination? We will wait and see.

Speaking of Allmendinger, he returns to the premiere series full-time after contending for the Xfinity title last year. It seems a flip flop back and forth has been the case in recent years, with the key for the veteran being focused on having fun and doing what is best for Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice as he says. He was able to find victory lane in his last foray at the top level en route to a 21st place finish in the standings, along with five top-10’s in 16 appearances last season. A little consistency added to the performances, and he could become part of the playoffs.

The front runners from Xfinity joining Cup continues, with Riley Herbst taking over a new third entry for 23XL Racing alongside Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Herbst has proven he is ready for the opportunity, picking up two wins and 15 top-10 finishes last year in the second-tier level. Consistently running up front sees potential for success there, along with seeing the team’s success recently. Reddick’s presistent up front has easily inserted 23XL into the championship conversation. Is Herbst ready to be at that level? He will probably struggle at first, but if he can solidly insert himself into the top-20, it will be a strong start.

Even though SHR closed their doors, all of the pieces are not gone as Gene Haas has made the decision to remain in the sport, creating Haas Factory Team to field a single Cup Series entry alongside two cars in Xfinity. Cole Custer will make his return to the Cup, perhaps with a chip on his shoulder. He previously drove for Haas in Cup, but was sent back down a level after placing 25th in points. Now with a championship in 2023 and a runner-up in 2024, he will hope to maximise his second chance. Will it happen? It depends if they have their equipment in order as everyone watched SHR struggle last season, besides the victory by Chase Briscoe at Darlington Raceway.

The other changes not discussed are Michael McDowell leaving FRM for Spire Motorsports, and Shane Van Gisbergen in a third entry for Trackhouse Racing after spending last season in the Xfinity Series.